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Parker O-Ring Handbook.pdf

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5.11 Friction<br />

Friction, either break-out, running, or both, can become<br />

troublesome in some applications. At any given time, there<br />

are anomalies and diffi culties in the prediction of developed<br />

friction. These are accentuated if one of the surfaces involved<br />

is deformable as in O-ring piston or shaft seals. An understanding<br />

of the principles may prove helpful in the solution<br />

of specifi c problems.<br />

5.11.1 Break-Out Friction<br />

In addition to the usual causes of running friction: hardness<br />

of the rubber, type of surface, surface fi nish, squeeze on<br />

the O-ring, amount and type of lubrication, fl uid pressure/<br />

temperature, the amount of break-out friction that a system<br />

will generate depends on the length of time the surfaces of<br />

the metal and the seal element have been in physical contact<br />

at rest. See Figures 5-7 and 5-8.<br />

The theory has been proposed and generally accepted that the<br />

increase of friction on standing is caused by the rubber O-ring<br />

fl owing into the microfi ne grooves or surface irregularities of<br />

the mating part. As a general rule for a 70 durometer rubber<br />

against an 8 micro-inch surface, the maximum break-out<br />

friction that will develop in a system is 3 times the running<br />

friction. This ratio can be reduced by the use of a softer rubber.<br />

Table 5-3 shows some of the factors which may be used<br />

to adjust friction.<br />

Coeffi cient of friction has little bearing on lubricated rubber’s<br />

break-out and running friction. The other variables listed are<br />

much more important in the practical solution to problems.<br />

Pounds of Friction<br />

Steel<br />

8 Micro-In. RMS<br />

Glass<br />

Running Friction with<br />

15 Feet per Minute<br />

Stroke Speed<br />

2-1/2 Sec. 40 Min.<br />

300 Hrs.<br />

Delay Between Cycles<br />

Figure 5-7: Change of O-ring Friction with Time at Rest<br />

2-1/2 Sec. 40 Min.<br />

with Lubrication<br />

Figure 5-8: Flow of O-<strong>Ring</strong> into Metallic Surfaces<br />

300 Hrs.<br />

<strong>Parker</strong> O-<strong>Ring</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong><br />

5.11.2 Running Friction<br />

High running friction may cause diffi culty by wearing soft<br />

metal parts. Metals such as copper, brass or aluminum can<br />

be rapidly worn away by a moving O-ring. This is especially<br />

true if high pressures are involved. If unexplained leakage<br />

occurs with these or other soft metals, it is good practice to<br />

check the metal dimensions for signs of wear.<br />

The following formulas may be used for estimating the running<br />

friction of O-rings.<br />

Piston Groove Rod Groove<br />

FC = fc x Lp<br />

FC = fc x Lr<br />

FH = fh x Ap<br />

Fh = fh x Ar<br />

F = FC + FH<br />

F = Fc + FH<br />

Ap = Projected area of seal for piston groove<br />

applications.<br />

Ar = Projected area of seal for rod groove applications.<br />

F = Total seal friction in pounds.<br />

FC = Total friction due to seal compression.<br />

FH = Total friction due to hydraulic pressure on the seal.<br />

fc = Friction due to O-ring compression obtained from<br />

Figure 5-9.<br />

fh = Friction due to fl uid pressure obtained from Figure 5-10.<br />

Lp = Length of seal rubbing surface in inches for piston<br />

groove applications.<br />

Lr = Length of seal rubbing surface in inches for<br />

rod groove applications.<br />

Example:<br />

<strong>Parker</strong> 2-214 rubbing against OD of O-ring at 103.5 Bar<br />

(1500 psi), 10% compression, 70 durometer:<br />

FC = 0.7 x 3.93 = 2.75<br />

FH = 48 x 0.44 = 20.90<br />

F = FC + FH = 23.65 pounds<br />

Data for the coeffi cients (fc and fh) are given in Figures 5-9<br />

and 5-10. Projected areas and lengths of rubbing surface are<br />

given in Table 5-4.<br />

Friction Factors (In Order of Importance)<br />

To Increase<br />

To Decrease<br />

Friction Factor<br />

Friction<br />

Increase Unit Load (squeeze) Decrease<br />

Increase RMS Surface Finish (metal) Decrease RMS<br />

Increase Durometer<br />

Decrease<br />

Decrease Speed of Motion Increase<br />

Increase Cross Section of O-<strong>Ring</strong> Decrease<br />

Increase Pressure<br />

Decrease<br />

Omit Lubrication Lubrication<br />

Use Lubrication<br />

Decrease Temperature<br />

Increase<br />

Decrease Groove Width<br />

Increase<br />

Increase Diameter of Bore or Rod Decrease<br />

Decrease Surface Finish (O-<strong>Ring</strong>) Increase<br />

Stretch O-ring Joule Effect*<br />

Compress O-<strong>Ring</strong><br />

Lower Durometer Coeffi cient of Friction# Increase<br />

of O-ring<br />

* Refer to rotary seals.<br />

Durometer<br />

# A minor factor and should be ignored in design work other than for ultra<br />

high speeds.<br />

Table 5-3: Friction Factors<br />

<strong>Parker</strong> Hannifi n Corporation • O-<strong>Ring</strong> Division<br />

2360 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY 40509<br />

Phone: (859) 269-2351 Fax: (859) 335-5128<br />

www.parkerorings.com<br />

5-7<br />

Dynamic O-<strong>Ring</strong> Sealing

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